Speeches
Sunday, 03 May 2026
Launch of the State Archery Centre and Max Manuel Memorial Tournament
I am pleased to be here at the Gepps Cross Sporting Precinct to launch the State Archery Centre, the new permanent home of Archery SA.
As Governor, and as Patron of Archery SA, I am delighted to take part in celebrating a significant milestone for archery in our state.
In 2023 I had the pleasure of opening the Oceania Cup in Ashton, where I was impressed by the skill and precision on display, as well as archery’s capacity to engage people across a wide range of ages.
Indeed, archery is a sport defined not by speed or youth, but by technique, focus and dedication - qualities that serve participants well at every stage of life.
I am pleased to note that Archery SA's search for a permanent home has, at last, come to an end.
After a period of moving every few years – from St Ignatius College, to Mylor Oval, and most recently Oakbank Racecourse – I’m delighted you have now settled here at Gepps Cross, where you can share knowledge and friendships with participants across a range of sports.
Just as archers will ‘find their anchor’ when setting up their shot, this new Centre is a strong anchor for your organisation’s volunteers – freeing up your time and energy for planning facility expansions, running competitions, and of course, taking part in the sport you love.
No doubt you are pleased to farewell the two shipping containers which stored your materials in Oakbank.
I understand they served you well, but that moving around the large targets on wheels could be a challenge!
I note the new facilities we see today: a meeting room and clubroom area, amenities, a kitchenette, a dedicated storage shed, and the grounds themselves, dressed for tournament competition.
And there is more to come, with further works to complete the grounds as well as a Stage 2 development to extend the verandah, build a covered shelter along the shooting line, and other potential additions.
I acknowledge the Government of South Australia for funding the development we celebrate today, and the Federal Government for its grant towards Stage 2.
Friends,
Archery SA, like so many of the community sporting organisations that enrich South Australian life, is run entirely by volunteers.
I am grateful to the Archery SA board, life members, and every volunteer who has worked, over several years, to bring this new State Archery Centre to fruition.
It’s been a considerable endeavour. The hours of planning, advocacy and organisation devoted to this project represent an exceptional contribution to your sport and to the wider community.
I also thank volunteers from Adelaide Archery Club for organising today’s competition, the Max Manuel Memorial WA Star Tournament - a long-standing event on the South Australian archery calendar.
I wish all of our competitors a rewarding and enjoyable competition.
While archers here today are mostly Adelaide-based, given the price of fuel at present, I am pleased that archery is alive and well in a number of towns across South Australia
Congratulations, Archery SA, on your new premises. It is now my great pleasure to declare the facility open.